For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
